IWAI Carrick

MARINE NOTICE
No. 19 of 2021

Shannon Navigation, Shannon  Erne Waterway, Grand Canal, Royal Canal, Barrow Line and Navigation

Reopening of navigations from Monday 10 May 2021

Waterways Ireland wishes to advise all Masters of vessels and waterways users of the Shannon Navigation, Shannon  Erne Waterway, Grand Canal, Royal Canal, Barrow Line and Navigation that the following reopening of facilities will occur on Monday 10 May 2021. This reopening of the navigations is in line with the Government of Ireland’s announcement made on 29th April 2021.

Shannon Navigation
• Locks on the Shannon Navigation will be open normal Summer hours (9am to 8.30pm on weekdays and 9am – 6pm on Sunday).

• The Winter mooring period will end.

• The 5 day mooring rule will be in force.

• Waterways Ireland service blocks will reopen.

• No lock passage tolls will be collected in order to facilitate social distancing.

• Shannon Navigation lock-keepers are available at the following numbers:-

Lough Allen Canal       – 071 964 1552
Clarendon Lock           – 071 966 7011
Albert Lock                 – 071 963 7715
Rooskey lock               – 071 963 8018
Tarmonbarry Lock       – 043 332 6117
Athlone Lock               – 090 649 2026
Poolboy Lock              – 090 964 4938
Victoria lock                – 057 915 1359
Portumna Bridge          – 090 974 1011
Ardnacrusha                – 061 344 515
Sarsfield Lock              – 087 797 2998

Shannon Erne Waterway
• Locks on the Shannon Erne Waterway will be operating from 9am – 8pm daily.

• Winter mooring period will end.

• The 5 day mooring rule will be in force.

• Waterways Ireland service blocks will reopen.

• No lock passage tolls will be collected as no units shall be deducted from the smart card during a lock operation. A smart card is required to operate locks.

• Please note, Waterway Patrollers will be unable to sell smart cards to our customers at this time. Smart cards are to be purchased in advanced of embarking on a journey. Smart Cards can be purchased on Waterways Ireland’s web shop or from designated retail outlets along the waterway. 

• Should you require assistance along the SEW please contact the following:-
Ballyconnell Waterway Patroller           +353 87 2603662
Kilclare Waterway Patroller                  +353 87 2603663

Grand Canal, Royal Canal, Barrow Line and Navigation
• The Lock will operate at normal Summer Hours. 

• As a cautionary note, water levels are becoming low due to the recent period of low rainfall. In addition, normal maintenance weed-cutting of navigation channels has been late in starting due to the ongoing restrictions, so additional weed growth can be expected in the navigation channels. Masters are asked to contact the local waterway patroller for updated information if wishing to navigate a particular area.

General information
• Electricity and water services have been reconnected on the navigations.
• Normal pump-out facilities are available for boaters.  Owners must ensure that travel to pump-out facilities must be undertaken in a responsible manner.
• When on jetties please be aware of other users. Wait or move aside to allow others to pass at a safe distance.
• Observe social distancing protocols – keep a distance of at least 2m (6 feet) away from other people;
• Be mindful of others and act always with consideration and with respect and observe the leave no trace principles and protect our environment;
• Observe all health etiquettes when on the towpaths, at locks and when using lock consoles.
• In all instances, social distancing must be maintained at all times keeping your distance from both other people and moored boats.

Updates on Covid-19 measures
We will continually review such measures in light of direction and advice from Government and health professionals and any decisions on service provision will be communicated via the issuance of Marine Notices.

While our staff are working from home, they are available by phone during normal working hours. Should you need our assistance please do contact us by email at info@waterwaysireland.org or by phone https://www.waterwaysireland.org/contact-us. 

Health authority advice
Continual updates are provided by both the HSE in Ireland and the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland regarding the COVID-19 virus.  If you would like to access the latest information about the virus, you are advised to refer to the HSE coronavirus page (Ireland) or the PHA website www.publichealth.hscni.net. (Northern Ireland).

Waterways Ireland thanks all vessel owners and operators for their co-operation in relation to this matter. 
 
Paddy Harkin
Cdr (Rtd)
Inspector of Navigation,
Waterways Ireland,
The Docks,
Athlone,
Co Westmeath

“Waterways Ireland, managing and promoting the inland waterways for the benefit of all…”